The Way Home by Amanda Prowse

From the multimillion-copy bestselling author of Waiting to Begin and Ever After comes an evocative, tender story about belonging, community, and the relationships that hold us together.

What if a stranger threatened to take away a lifetime of cherished memories?

Lilly-Bob loves her home by the River Thames in the heart of London. Throughout her childhood, it echoed with music and her father’s love, and for seventy years it’s been her sanctuary through a life well lived. These days, the familiar walls and treasured memories keep loneliness at bay.

But for months she’s been ignoring letters from a building developer, and now a compulsory purchase scheme threatens to take her home by force. Seventeen-year-old Lilly-Bob didn’t fear change, but present-day Lilly refuses to let go.

As the pressure builds, Lilly feels increasingly alone. But as her neighbours rally together, she finds herself drawn into the fold—making new friends, finding purpose, and glimpsing the possibility of something new.

Torn between the comfort of the past and the call of progress, Lilly-Bob must is home made of bricks and mortar, or is it a place inside ourselves?

 What did I think?

I love Amanda's books - she is one of my go to authors - if she has written a new book I just know I will be reading it

Always relatable. Always believable. Always great characters. And this one was no exception.

A dual time line is usually a winner with me and I thoroughly enjoyed Lily Bobs back story as well as her current situation. Made me think how would a grandparent of mine feel if this was them.

It is a book of friendships, of community and of support. Yes, there is some sadness (I might have needed a tissue on several occasions) but there are also funny bits. 

Don't you ever stop writing Amanda - I'm not sure I could cope :)

The Street by Suzi Holliday

 

Their neighbours welcomed them with open arms. Now they’ve vanished without a trace.

Anna and Peter desperately need to escape London for a fresh start. And they’ve found just the place: a perfect house on a perfect street in a perfect new development on the Scottish coast. But before they’ve even unpacked, they discover that the community they’ve moved into might be keeping secrets of its own…

Eager to fit in, Anna and Peter spend their first evening with their new neighbours, a couple who turn up on their doorstep to welcome them with open arms. But when Anna pops over the next morning to thank them for their hospitality, there’s no answer. The house is bare and unoccupied, and the neighbours have vanished without a trace. What’s more, everybody else on the street is convinced that no one ever lived there at all.

As she battles a growing obsession with the mystery, Anna finds herself becoming increasingly paranoid. She thought she’d escaped her own troubled past, but as the truth catches up with her, life starts to unravel. Maybe she’s not the only resident of The Street with something to hide…

What did I think?

I really liked the premise of this story - and it was really well written. The recurring theme was one of secrets and some intriguing characters.

A story of new beginnings and a fresh start in a new location with your partner. The future should look rosy. But of course it doesn't always turn out that way. There is paranoia, decidedly odd neighbours and a community with secrets.

This book kept my interest and kept me guessing. Quite a quick read but a good one.

Just Like That by Nina Kaye

 

Jess is smashing her Edinburgh events management job right now. Her boss is talking about a promotion, her clients love her and other companies want her. But all of that comes to an abrupt halt when her brother suddenly has a stroke. Jess doesn't think twice about stepping in as his carer, but her boss is not so understanding. Demoted to managing low-end events, Jess is less than thrilled to be assigned to a small animal park in need of raising funds. She's even less happy when she clashes with arrogant head keeper, Nick. He's frustrated with her squeamishness; she thinks he's a lech. Nick wants a baggage-free life; Jess has so much drama going on, even the Kardashians can't keep up. But maybe saving the animals of East Lothian Wildlife Park will help these op-paw-sites find some common ground...

What did I think?

Somehow my original post didn't post as scheduled and it has taken till now for me to actually realise. My apologies to the author for this oversight.

 I really enjoyed this slow burn romance between Jess and Nick - and enemies to lovers story. Set against the backdrop of an animal sanctuary - what is there not to like?? Plenty of cute animals if that is your thing. And did I also say it is set in Scotland? Always a winner but then I'm biased as that's where I live.

I thought this was a well written and captivating story - and I fell in love with the main characters and became invested in their romance. Saying that there are some more serious undertones dealing with such topics as family illness, caring responsibilities and relationship breakdown.

Will certainly be reading more by this author.

The Notekeeper by Hannah Treave

 Following a tragedy, Zoe flees Australia and makes a life for herself in the UK. Now working as a care nurse in The Oaks hospice, and knowing just how much comfort last words can bring, Zoe has taken it upon herself to become a notekeeper – writing down the final thoughts of her patients and delivering them to their loved ones.

Zoe’s new boss, Ben, isn't happy about her getting so involved in the residents’ lives. But even as the two clash, they discover they have more in common than either could have ever imagined.

As Zoe learns to confront her past and her own grief, her heart can finally begin to mend. With the broken pieces slowly becoming whole, will she cope when her world is shattered once more?

A captivating, moving story that will make you laugh and cry, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Dani Atkins and Libby Page.

What did I think?

A new author to me having never heard of Hannah Treave before - but I have to admit it was the cover that first caught my eye. Isn't it beautiful? Made me want to start reading straight away.

Also in the blurb it says it is perfect for fans of Dani Atkins and Libby Page - 2 of my favourite authors. This made me think I was onto a winner.

This book really got to me on a personal level - my Mum is in a care home - quite a long way from me. She doesn't like it much and always say the staff are too busy to spend much time just chatting or sitting with her. I would love a Zoe in her life.

I thought this was a wonderful story - it made me smile but it also made me cry. Not always easy subject matter to read about and simply working in a hospice makes Zoe a special person. It is life affirming - Zoe helps her patients by writing down some of their last thoughts and helping them come to terms with the decisions they have made during their lives.

Makes it sound quite sad but believe me there is plenty of humour too.

This book should come with a box of tissues - you have been warned!

About the Author

Hannah Treave is the pseudonym for Fiona Ford, an experienced freelance journalist and prolific novelist. She has written for weekly women’s magazines for the past fifteen years and is the author of six novels – two under the penname Fiona Harrison, A Pug Like Percy and A Puppy Called Hugo (HQ, 2017), two WW2 sagas for Orion (The Spark Girl and A Wartime Promise) and a series set during the Second World War, the first of which, Christmas at Liberty's (Penguin Random House), was a bestseller in 2018.

A Gift Called Hope by Eva Jordan

 

A heartfelt novel of a Christmas shadowed by loss and regret—and brightened by hope for renewal—from the author of Time Will Tell.

 

Six-year-old Jack is counting the days to Christmas. But his grandmother is just counting the days until it’s over. For Jill, the holiday comes with painful memories, and she wants only to escape the recent past and its tragedies.

She’s moved and started a new life running a food truck in Widmore Bay, a quaint seaside town, in order to flee her agonising history.

It’s only for little Jack’s sake that Jill tolerates the tree and decorations. She just wants to spend Christmas with the curtains drawn, reading a book and drinking coffee.

But this season, she may stumble onto a miracle that restores joy—and hope—in her heart . . .

 What did I think?

I love Eva's books so was excited to read her new release. I had a feeling that this would be an emotional read and I was right.

Christmas isn't a joyful occasion for some people such as our main character Jill. And it easy to forget that it can be a tough time for many. But Jill has to put on a brave face for her grandson Jack.

Yes, the story does cover the topic of grief, but it does it in a sympathetic way and leaves you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.  I felt like the story had lots of layers and slowly Jills sad back story was revealed. The emotion that came with this tory felt authentic and real. 

But this makes the book sound like a sad read but it really isn't. There were plenty of parts that made me smile - it has romance, love, family drama - and Christmas.

Some books stay with you for quite some time after you have finished reading them - and this is one of those books.

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Women Like Us by Amanda Prowse

‘Women Like Us’ is my life story so far! It’s a raw, but I hope, inspiring account of my life lived as someone who always felt as if I was the odd one out. I had so many ideas, but felt hemmed in by class, lack of opportunity and my own low self-esteem. I didn’t ever see how I could get on in life.

Growing up as a proper homebird and spending nights on the sofa with my wonderful, eccentric family, I felt as if the world was having a party to which I wasn’t invited, and it felt awful. The thought of writing a book felt like a dream, just out of reach, until aged forty-two I took the leap, and the rest is history.

Now, ten years later and with over thirty books published, I decided it was time to tackle my greatest challenge –  how I felt about myself, my overweight body and my ageing face. Having lived for years feeling that I wasn’t quite good enough, or that I didn’t quite fit, I finally learned the secrets of living a happy life and am sharing them with you now..

What did I think?

I simply love Amanda's books although I haven't read them all yet (so I still have titles to look forward to)

When I saw this book I knew I had to read it - but what I wasn't expecting was just how hard hitting and that it mirrored parts of my life too. Certain parts of this book could have been written about me. And that is a very strange feeling.

I want to thank Amanda for writing such a brutally honest book - we certainly get warts and all. But the book certainly isn't a pity party. It is an honest account of her life - the high points - the low points - and everything in between. It becomes apparent where she gets some of the ideas from for her books.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - I had to make myself read it slowly to make it last as long as possible.

This is a memoir about a real woman - written for real women. 

The Dilemma by Sarah Hawthorn

 

A daughter visits the island of Guernsey to unearth horrifying family truths and solve a decades-old mystery surrounding her mother, in this historical page-turner.



1958. Esme, a novelist, finds a potential new literary project. A housemaid named Clara was convicted of murder, perhaps unjustly, amid the ending of World War II and the liberation of Guernsey from Nazi occupation. Esme's trip to Guernsey is an opportunity not only to research the case, but to learn more about her mother's family--as well as to heal from the heartbreak inflicted on her by the man she loved . . .

1915. A teenager marries her childhood sweetheart before he heads off to fight in the Great War. But he doesn't come back, and Jane, presumed a widow, flees Guernsey--devastated by her loss. In London, Jane finds a new life and a new husband--but her past isn't done with her yet.

This absorbing novel follows the parallel paths of two generations of women, and as each is faced with painful decisions and shocking discoveries, a question emerges: Can a lie be forgiven when the truth seems too much to bear? 

What did I think?

A new author to me and quite different from my usual reads. 

I enjoyed this period story set on the island of Guerney. It really sparked my interest and made me want to keep on reading.

Quite difficult to review this book without giving anything away - and I really don't want to spoil it for anyone else.

It transported me back to a different time. And made me think - what would I have done in the same situation.

There is a lot of depth to this story and it feels well researched. Loved the timescale and the interesting characters who certainly took me on a journey.

Women Like Us by Amanda Prowse

 

‘Women Like Us’ is my life story so far! It’s a raw, but I hope, inspiring account of my life lived as someone who always felt as if I was the odd one out. I had so many ideas, but felt hemmed in by class, lack of opportunity and my own low self-esteem. I didn’t ever see how I could get on in life.

Growing up as a proper homebird and spending nights on the sofa with my wonderful, eccentric family, I felt as if the world was having a party to which I wasn’t invited, and it felt awful. The thought of writing a book felt like a dream, just out of reach, until aged forty-two I took the leap, and the rest is history.

Now, ten years later and with over thirty books published, I decided it was time to tackle my greatest challenge –  how I felt about myself, my overweight body and my ageing face. Having lived for years feeling that I wasn’t quite good enough, or that I didn’t quite fit, I finally learned the secrets of living a happy life and am sharing them with you now..

What did I think?

I simply love Amanda's books although I haven't read them all yet (so I still have titles to look forward to)

When I saw this book I knew I had to read it - but what I wasn't expecting was just how hard hitting and that it mirrored parts of my life too. Certain parts of this book could have been written about me. And that is a very strange feeling.

I want to thank Amanda for writing such a brutally honest book - we certainly get warts and all. But the book certainly isn't a pity party. It is an honest account of her life - the high points - the low points - and everything in between. It becomes apparent where she gets some of the ideas from for her books.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - I had to make myself read it slowly to make it last as long as possible.

This is a memoir about a real woman - written for real women.

Christmas Island by Natalie Normann

 

Cosy up in front of a fire and discover Christmas the Norwegian way…full of romance, cosy traditions and hygge!

In the bleak midwinter…
A really frosty wind is making Holly’s life absolutely miserable

After all the years of hard work it took Londoner Holly Greene to become a doctor, now it could all be taken away and she only has herself to blame. She’s retreating to her brother’s rustic home on an island off the coast of Norway to lick her wounds. Only, it’s the middle of winter and icy slush plus endless darkness isn’t exactly the cheery, festive getaway she had imagined.

Nearly stumbling off the edge of a cliff in the dark, Holly is saved by Frøy, a yellow-eyed cat of fearsome but fluffy proportions, and his owner – grouchy, bearded recluse, Tor. Tor has his own problems to face but the inexplicable desire to leave a bag of freshly baked gingerbread men on Holly’s doorstep is seriously getting in the way of his hermit routine.

Call it kindness, call it Christmas, but Holly’s arrival means midwinter has never looked less bleak.

What did I think?

What an absolutely gorgeous cover - it looks so appealing and made me want to start reading straight away.

This book will whisk you away for a Nordic holiday complete with all the associated traditions and delights - of which I knew very little about. So this book was a bit of a history lesson as well as a cute romance.

I enjoyed this gentle romance which definitely helped me to get into the Christmas spirit.

Natalie Normann grew up in a shipping town on the west-coast of Norway and always wanted to be a writer. Actually, she wanted to smoke cigars and drink whiskey like Hemingway but settled for chocolate and the occasional glass of Baileys.

Her writing journey started with short stories in women’s magazines until her first book was published in 1995.

Christmas Island is her second romance written in English.

Love At First by Kate Clayborn

 

Sixteen years ago, teenager Will Sterling saw – or rather, heard – the girl of his dreams. Now an unexpected inheritance has brought Will back to that same address, where he plans to offload his new property pronto and get back to his regular life as an overworked doctor.

Bound by her loyalty to her adored grandmother, Nora Clarke won’t let Will’s plans ruin her quirky, close-knit building. With a little light sabotage, she sets out to foil his renovation efforts. But as their feud heats up, so does the attraction between them.

A balcony, a star-crossed couple, a fateful meeting – maybe it’s the kind of story that can’t work out in the end. Or maybe, it’s the perfect second chance…

A fun, tender and beautiful romance for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Beth O’Leary and Sophie Kinsella.

What Did I Think?

I have to admit that I hadn't heard of Kate or her books before I was offered a place on the blog tour for her new title. 

This was a wonderfully charming romantic story - it starts with your usual boy meets girl scenario but soon develops into a somewhat love hate relationship but eventually the romance comes to the fore.

I don't want to give anything away but I found myself staying up well past my bedtime reading - and that doesn't happen to often. This book is like a hug in paper form

 

Blog Tour for The Promised Land by Elizabeth Musser

 

This is a brand new author for me so was interested to read this book. At the time I didn't realist that this book is the third book in The Swan House series.

Blurb 

With her oldest son taking a gap year in Europe, her ageing father losing his sight and his memory, and her husband of twenty years announcing that he's leaving her, Abbie Jowett is surrounded by overwhelming loss. 

Desperate to mend her marriage and herself, she follows her son, Bobby, to walk the famed Camino pilgrimage. During their journey, they encounter Rasa, an Iranian woman working in secret helping other refugees, and Caroline, a journalist who is studying pilgrims on the Camino while searching for answers from her broken past. 

Each individual has their own reasons for the pilgrimage, but together they learn that the Camino strips you bare and calls you into deep soul-searching that can threaten all your best-laid plans. 

Elizabeth Musser, an Atlanta native, lives and works with her husband in southern France. She is the author of 11 novels, including the critically acclaimed The Swan House and When I Close My Eyes.

What Did I Think

I wasn't sure what to expect but had read some glowing reviews over on Amazon. 

In hindsight it probably would have been best to have read the previous 2 books before starting this one as the same charaters are in all the books

It follows 3 characters as they walk the Camino Trail in France - each although on the same physical journey all on different emotional journeys. 

Well written although the spiritual side of the story really wasn't for me.

Blog Tour for A Painter in Penang by Clare Flynn

 

I was please to be asked to join in with this blog tour - gave me a chance to read my first book by this author.

About the book:

Sixteen-year-old Jasmine Barrington hates everything about living in Kenya and longs to return to the island of Penang in British colonial Malaya where she was born. Expulsion from her Nairobi convent school offers a welcome escape – the chance to stay with her parents’ friends, Mary and Reggie Hyde-Underwood on their Penang rubber estate.

But this is 1948 and communist insurgents are embarking on a reign of terror in what becomes the Malayan Emergency. Jasmine unearths a shocking secret as her own life is put in danger. Throughout the turmoil, her one constant is her passion for painting.

What did I think:

I didn't realise when I started reading this book that it wa the 3rd book in a series. If I had had the time I think I might have left this one and started with the first book.

Saying that it does work as a standalone novel - some of the characters are the same but from what I can gather each book centres around a different family member.

The story transports you to a faraway place and in the midst of this current pandemic where you cannot travel very far at all I have to say was very welcome. I know nothing about Penang or it's history.

The main character in this book id 16 year old Jasmine - the painter in the title - she is in school in Kenya but deeply unhappy and wanting to return to Malaya. Her mother arranges for her to return and live with a family friend. But this is 1948 and communist insurgents embark on a reign of terror.

This book is part a history lesson, part coming of age story all set against the backdrop of a tropical paradise being torn apart by civil war.

I will certainly be going back  to read the first two books in the series - The Pearl of Penang and Prisoner From Penang.

About The Author:

Historical novelist Clare Flynn is a former global marketing director and business owner. She now lives in Eastbourne on the south coast of England and most of her time these days is spent writing her novels – when she's not gazing out of her windows at the sea.

Clare is the author of eleven novels and a short story collection. Her books deal with displacement – her characters are wrenched away from their comfortable existences and forced to face new challenges – often in outposts of an empire which largely disappeared after WW2.

Her latest novel, A Painter in Penang, was published on 6th Octoberl 2020. It is set in Malaysia in 1948 during the Malayan Emergency.

Clare's novels often feature places she knows well and she does extensive research to build the period and geographic flavour of her books. A Greater World - 1920s Australia; Kurinji Flowers – pre-Independence India; Letters from a Patchwork Quilt – nineteenth century industrial England and the USA; The Green Ribbons – the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth century in rural England, The Chalky Sea - World War II England (and Canada) and its sequels The Alien Corn and The Frozen River - post WW2 Canada. She has also published a collection of short stories - both historical and contemporary, A Fine Pair of Shoes and Other Stories.

To buy your copy - https://amzn.to/3iyTFYD

Blog Tour for Beware of Falling Coconuts by Gillian McNeill

 

Beware of Falling Coconuts by Gillian McNeil 

 

What Did I Think:

Not sure quite where to start. 

This is such an emotional account of the authors harrowing experiences whilst undergoing treatment for breast cancer. But saying that as emotional as it was there was plenty of humour throughout.

I am lucky that I have no experience of breast cancer within my immediate circle of friends but I can see how this book would be helpful to share the experiences. It was very readable and not full of medical speak.

This book will stay with me for sometime and really brings to the fore that who you have in your life is so important.

And it also made me realise that at the age of 53 I still have not been for breast screening. I missed out just as I turned 50 and I am thinking it is now overdue but with Covid I can well imagine the service is delayed. Maybe then another health crisis waiting to raise its ugly head with all these missed routing appointments??  

 

Author Bio

 

 

Gillian was born and brought up in Monifieth. After graduating from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Gillian worked as an actress in theatre, radio and television. She is probably best known for playing the character of Lynne McNeil, in the long running soap opera Take the High Road, for Scottish Television.

 

After living in London, and then Australia for several years, she returned to Glasgow where she currently lives with her husband Alan, daughter Molly and Toy Poodle Maggie.

 

Gillian began writing and performing shows for children when Molly started school. These proved to be very popular amongst the early years audiences and gave her a taste for writing and creating her own work.

 

BEWARE OF FALLING COCONUTS is her first book.

 

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, and successfully treated, she wanted to do something to help others. Having previously lost her own mother, mother in law, auntie and friend to the disease, she understood only too well, the fear receiving a cancer diagnosis brought. 

 

“I didn't want Molly growing up scared. I wanted to give her a positive message. If I could laugh it allowed her and others to laugh with me. After all I had the easy job, I just had to take the drugs and stay positive, it was far tougher for Alan and Molly. When I started writing Beware of Falling Coconuts, I was terrified. I didn't want to revisit that place in my head. I was scared to go back….I wasn't sure if it was a play, a book, or just a lot of nonsense. I wanted to do this not just for Molly, but for all the brave women and men who hadn't been as lucky as me.”

 

Gillian was inspired by the courage of people she met, who showed her that there was humour to be found even in the most bizarre situations. From losing her hair to losing her memory, there was one clear message: 

 

“I lost my boob not my sense of humour.”

 

Buy Link 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1691620386/?ref=exp_kellysloveofbooks_dp_vv_d

The Boy Between Blog Tour.

  

I was delighted to be asked to take part in this blog tour. I love Amanda's book but I will admit to having not read them all - yet. I am slowly making my way through them - but not too fast as I don't want to run out.

Book Description: 

Bestselling novelist Amanda Prowse knew how to resolve a fictional family crisis. But then her son came to her with a real one…

Josiah was nineteen with the world at his feet when things changed. Without warning, the new university student’s mental health deteriorated to the point that he planned his own death. His mother, bestselling author Amanda Prowse, found herself grappling for ways to help him, with no clear sense of where that could be found. This is the book they wish had been there for them during those dark times.

Josiah’s situation is not unusual: the statistics on student mental health are terrifying. And he was not the only one suffering; his family was also hijacked by his illness, watching him struggle and fearing the day he might succeed in taking his life.

In this book, Josiah and Amanda hope to give a voice to those who suffer, and to show them that help can be found. It is Josiah’s raw, at times bleak, sometimes humorous, but always honest account of what it is like to live with depression. It is Amanda’s heart-rending account of her pain at watching him suffer, speaking from the heart about a mother’s love for her child.

For anyone with depression and anyone who loves someone with depression, Amanda and Josiah have a clear message—you are not alone, and there is hope.

What Did I Think:

I knew this wouldn't be an easy read but I wasn't expecting to be so movedand affected by it. It might have been that I am Mum to 2 boys aged 23 and 20 - so similar in age to Josh in this book. Like Amanda said she thought she knew her son inside out - I think the same about my boys. But how well do I actually know them?

Another reason this affected me is that someone I know (not well but we were in the same running club for a while) took his own life earlier in the year. I am sure Covid played a part in his actions and looking back at his social media posts you could maybe see something wasn't quite right.

This is such an emotional read. So very personal So moving. I will be recommending this book to lots of people who I now will enjoy and maybe benefit from reading it. I will admit to not knowing much about mental illness as it isn't something that has affected either myself or my family.   But it has opened my eyes.

Since I have read this book I have been telling everyone about it and recommending it all over the place.

 About the authors 

Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose twenty five novels and seven novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres.  Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.

 

A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda is a regular panellist on Channel 5's 'The Jeremy Vine Show' and numerous daytime ITV programmes. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national independent Radio stations including LBC and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award while 'Perfect Daughter' was selected as a World Book Night title in 2016.

 

Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades... 

Josh: 

A keen environmentalist and animal lover, Josiah (Josh) Hartley lives in a remote farmhouse in the West Country with his two idle and arrogant French Bulldogs, Dottie and Beau. Happiest following the music scene in Bristol, at a festival or watching rugby with his mates, Josh enjoys the outdoor life and often heads to the sea to surf and sit on the beach watching the sun go down.

After a stint at the University of Southampton, another at the University of Bristol and one planned suicide, Josh decided to write about his descent into mental illness and the depression that held him in its grip for the past few years. The Boy Between carries the overriding message that things can and often do get better. It is a book of reflection, raw, honest and full of hope - the proof being that Josh is still here and excited about what comes next. He’s ready to catch any opportunity that life throws his way; quite a thing for someone who only a few years ago was living in a world gone grey, ready to disappear from the face of the earth…